Appropriate Language in SOS
Words matter because
people matter and people bring meaning to words. What we say and the
language we use matters. Person first terminology demonstrates respect
for the individual first. Positive words promote positive images, just
like negative words create negative images. The following language
guidelines have been developed for use by anyone writing or speaking
about persons with disabilities, to ensure that all people are
portrayed with individuality and dignity.
Appropriate Terminology
Intellectual disability is an adjective, and is just one of many that might be used to describe someone.
Emphasize the person not the disability. Refer to the person's disability only when it is relevant and necessary.
DO use the preferred language:
- A person with an intellectual disability;
- Individuals, persons, or people with intellectual disabilities;
- John Public, who has an intellectual disability;
- Families of persons with intellectual disabilities.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS USE PERSON FIRST TERMINOLOGY
DO distinguish between adults and children with an intellectual disability. Use adults or children, or older or younger athletes.
DO refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word appear in quotation marks.
When writing or when speaking about a person, DO refer to persons with
disabilities in the same style as persons without them; full name on
first reference and last name on subsequent references. Avoid the
reference to an individual with Down syndrome as "Bill", and use the
journalistically correct "Bill Smith". Avoid the use of childlike terms
or nicknames unless you have received permission by the individual to
do so.
DO use the following correct terminology:
- A person has an intellectual disability, rather than is suffering from, afflicted with, or a victim of intellectual retardation;
- A person has Down syndrome
(Note the correct and singular term "Down syndrome" instead of "Down's
syndrome", never use the term "Down's" or "mongoloid" (or
mongoloidism);
- A person who uses a wheelchair, rather than confined or restricted to a wheelchair;
- A person has a physical disability, and is not a physically challenged/disabled person;
- A person is visually impaired or blind; rather than a sight impaired person;
- A person is hearing impaired or deaf;
rather than a hearing impaired or deaf person. (The term deaf mute is
used when an individual is deaf and does not speak verbally)
- A person has a seizure disorder or epilepsy; rather than is an epileptic; a person has a seizure rather than a fit.
Terminology to Avoid
The
words "Special Olympics" are never written without the "s" at the end
of "Olympics" ie Special Olympics programs, Special Olympics athletes,
Special Olympics Games, etc.
DO NOT preface Special Olympics with the word "the". This implies that Special Olympics is a one-time, singular event, rather than an ongoing sports training program.
DO NOT use the word "kids" when referring to Special Olympics athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the program.
DO NOT us the adjective "unfortunate" when talking about persons with an intellectual disability.
DO NOT
sensationalize the accomplishments of people with an intellectual
disability as heroic or brave. While these accomplishments should be
recognized and applauded, disability rights advocates encourage all
individuals to avoid referring to achievements in ways, which reinforce
and perpetuate the stigma of disability.
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